Chemistry is a word that iconically conjures up images of lab coats and conical flasks filled with colourful solutions. Indeed, the Chemistry teachers and technicians have been busy with countless experiments and demos to illustrate the underlying theory being taught in the classrooms. The most extreme of these being showcased in the annual Chemistry Spectacular. Pupils from schools in the Cheltenham Education Partnerships, The Prep and College, watched as Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan led a fascinating display of fires, explosions, and experiments that are not normally performed in the lab. Hydrogen balloons, methane rockets and the flaming snake remained favourites of the evening.

The pupils have continued to challenge their understanding through national competitions. In the Chemistry Olympiad designed for Upper Sixth students, Justin Wong received a Gold Award while five Silver Awards and 11 Bronze Awards went to the Lower Sixth. Eighty-three Fourth Form entered National Scientific Thinking Challenge, a first for College and we did extraordinarily well. The pupils achieved 12 Gold certificates (awarded to those pupils in the top 10% Nationally), 12 Silver and 14 Bronze.

Congratulations go to our Upper Sixth chemists who have gained places on competitive courses such at Medicine, Engineering and Applied Sciences. Special mention goes to Lucy Makin and Justin Wong who will read pure Chemistry at the University of Durham and University College London respectively.

We say fond farewell to Miss Lucy Manning, who is moving to Woodbridge School in Suffolk and we are excited to welcome Miss Stephanie Ricketts from Rugby School, Thailand, and Mr Alex Henocq, from Christ’s Hospital in West Sussex.

Dr Christine Oldham